Maribou Stork

[Loi Nguyen]

Had this image from my last Africa trip in June, but I felt the light was too harsh. I am learning how to deal with difficult lighting situation in PP, so would like your comments on PP.

1Dx
500f4 II
1/2500
f5.6
ISO-400
Mid day sun.

RAW conversion in LR5, reduced Highlights to recover the whites
CS6 with Curves on selected areas, 30% lumino mask

almost full frame, took a sliver off the top and left.

Thank you

Loi

[Daniel Cadieux]

Looks good for midday sun so you did well in post to tame the harsh light contrast. Sharp. A bit "cool" to me though, I'd try warming up the WB, or perhaps just boost the saturation. I would also add back the sliver you took off top and left.

[gail bisson]

I have to echo Daniel's comments as well.
Excellent that you had such a close view of this guy.
I might clone out the black dot (? fly ) to the right of his head.
Gail

[Grace Scalzo]

The quality of the light isn't optimal, but you did well with saving the image. That stray bug by his head drew my eye and I'd get rid of it.

[Marina Scarr]

Well done under tough conditions. Nice details and comp. I'd leave the bug.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Loi, good feather detail showing up, and I do like the detail around his head and bill too. He may have been leaning forward, but I would maybe try a version with a touch of CW rotation.

[Loi Nguyen]

Hi Stuart, good idea about the CW rotation.

Daniel, after the CW rotation, this is what's left, no room for cropping or adding more canvas. Added +10 for saturation in CS6.

Grace, regarding the bug, I decided to take it out since it is like a dust spot and does not add anything to the image.

Marina, thank you for your advice. I know it is a good idea not to remove stuff in case one wants to enter a contest. I will keep it in mind.

Thanks again, I'm happy with the outcome.

Loi

[David Salem]

Nice capture Loi. I agree with the others but still a nice shot considering the lighting. Well done. The repost looks better.